What is the cut-off time for a 20-over PBKS vs MI IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match?

With rain playing spoilsport at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, fans are anxiously waiting for updates on the start of the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. The high-stakes clash, which will determine who faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, has already been delayed due to persistent showers in the city. But how long can we wait before the game is officially abandoned?

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As per IPL 2025 playing conditions, the cut-off time for a full 20-over-per-side match is 9:30 PM IST. This means if the rain subsides and the outfield is deemed fit for play, the match can begin anytime up until 9:30 PM without any reduction in overs. After 9:30 PM, overs will start getting reduced, depending on the delay and available time left. The match must have a minimum of five overs per side to constitute a valid result.

The organisers have also allocated up to 120 minutes (two hours) of extra time for playoff matches like this one to help recover any lost time due to weather interruptions.

If the rain doesn’t allow even a shortened game by the end of extended time, the match will be declared a washout. In that case, as per IPL rules, the team that finished higher on the league table will qualify for the final. That favours Punjab Kings, who ended the group stage at the top of the table with 19 points, three more than fourth-placed Mumbai Indians. Earlier, PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl first, but rain arrived before the match could get underway. Fans and players alike now wait with fingers crossed as the clock ticks closer to the 9:30 PM cut-off.